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Swordquest #1 begins in the Atari exhibit of a video game museum. In the opening panels of this new Dynamite comic, a sword is displayed prominently encased in glass. Fans will immediately recognize it as the “Sword of Ultimate Sorcery,” the ultimate prize in a five-round tournament. Each round corresponded with a new game in the Swordquest series, but Atari cancelled the series after the third game and the sword never found a home. If you’d like to read more about this mystery, check out the full story here.

In Chad Bowers and Chris Sims’ world, the Sword of Ultimate Sorcery appears to be sitting awaiting it’s champion. Peter Case is just such a champion, sort of.

Swordquest #1 Is a Throwback To Times Gone By

Case, a middle aged man who has lost his home and given six months to live (see Swordquest #0), is on the hunt for one last adventure. While digging through boxes in his childhood bedroom, Case remembers his early obsession with the 1980s Swordquest series. Case and his friends Amy and Alvin Perez had a fixation on solving the puzzles of the Atari games and corresponding DC comics in order to win the ultimate prize. They dutifully mailed in their answers and kept a notebook of strategies. However, when the series ended after the third game (Waterworld), the friends moved on with their lives. Now in their forties, these characters find themselves drawn back to the quest for both Sword and glory, in this charming 1980s nostalgia piece.

The art by Ghostwriter X echoes the pixelated style of Atari 2600 games. The best examples of this style include a Pac-Man-esque creature devouring Case in a moment of emotional confrontation and panels devoted to player “Game Tips.” The style and throwback design elements are a nod to the book’s concept that the Swordquest game never ended for Case and the Perez siblings. Bower and Sims’ characters are both players of, and characters in, Atari’s game.

Whether you played the original series or are just a fan of ‘80s nostalgia, this series is worth a read. Its combination of heartfelt throwbacks and genuine attention to the struggles of growing up makes this comic stand out.

“There is a feeling you get at the beginning of an adventure…”

Thus begins DC’s epic summer event, Metal. The prelude, Dark Days: The Forge, is the perfect introduction, and sets the stage for the magnitude of what is to come.

Comics publishers often overuse the term “all-star” in their books, but in this case, it fits perfectly. DC has recruited its top talent, including writers Scott Snyder and James Tynion IV, for this one-shot story. However, the talent doesn’t stop there, as the book also packs superstar artists Jim Lee, John Romita Jr. and Andy Kubert. Even the cast is epic, featuring Batman, Superman, Green Lantern, Hawkman, Aquaman, Mister Miracle – even the Outsiders.

Dark Days: The Forge #1 Will Keep You Coming Back For More

The issue gives just enough intrigue to keep you turning the pages with anticipation. Batman has discovered a mysterious substance in the Earth’s metal. Unfortunately, no wants this information to come to light, including the Guardians of the Universe and the Immortal Men.

As Snyder’s and Tynion’s story unfolds – from the depths of the ocean to the Batcave on the moon – the mystery deepens. What is this mysterious metal? Where did it come from, and why is Batman obsessed with it now? The artwork is stunning and dramatic, exactly what’s you’d expect from this superstar team. If that wasn’t enough to keep you coming back for more, check out the final page. This final page is beautifully rendered by Lee and will seal the deal for this event.

That feeling you get at the beginning of an adventure? It’s glee. Pure glee for what’s to come.

Dark Days: The Forge #1, DC Comics, Released June 14, 2017, Written by Scott Snyder and James Tynion IV; Pencils by Andy Kubert, Jim Lee and John Romita Jr.; Inks by Scott Williams, Klaus Janson and Danny Miki; Colors by Alex Sinclair and Jeremiah Skipper; Letters by Steve Wands; $4.99.

Marvel’s newest X-Men solo comic, Iceman #1, features the exploits of Bobby Drake (the original, not the time-displaced younger version) battling baddies as well as…his parents? That’s right. Bobby has had so much trouble with his parents’ lack of understanding around him being a mutant, he hasn’t dared telling them he’s gay. Instead, Mr. and Mrs. Drake are waiting for him to bring a nice girl home.

If that weren’t bad enough, Iceman is busy schooling the younger version of himself in the ways of his mutant powers. For years Bobby could do little more than creating ice ramps and freezing bad guys, but now he’s an “omega-level mutant” with powers far beyond his imagination. Older Bobby teaches the younger, hipper version of himself how to maximize the potential of those powers.

And, of course, Iceman has to deal with the real bad guy, which in the premiere issue is an anti-mutant purifier. Not a Sentinel-level threat, but an adequate one in the middle of everything else going on in this story.

Vitti and Grace Are a Great Choice for Iceman #1

Artist Alessandro Vitti gives the book a unique style – different from the other X-titles, but still clearly in the family. Writer Sina Grace cleverly bookends the story by having Bobby explain who he is on a dating website. “My friends would say I’m a team player,” he writes while looking at a photo of the X-Men.

Grace tells a compact yet complete story for this initial outing, one that has drama, humor and enough action to keep fans coming back for more. Finally, Iceman gets his time to shine and it’s one story that is sure to rank among the classics.

Please Note: This article features light spoilers for the Wonder Woman 2017 Feature Film. While we feel that these light spoilers won’t impact your initial viewing of the movie in any way, if you are adverse to spoilers you might want to see the movie first before reading this article.

“[Wonder Woman] was like the best unorganized mutual party…”

I had to think about this but I wanted to talk about the experience we had at the theater last night. I think I’m finally able to put into words the feelings that were running rampant in my mind as I watched the movie and afterwards as I talked with Shawna, my wife. One of the best things about last night, other than the fact that I got to see one of the best super hero movies out there with my wife, was that the crowd watching the movie was amazing.

Prior to the film starting there was a very strong sense of occasion. There was excitement in the air. People were up & walking about, not content with just sitting to wait for the movie to start. They were talking with neighboring movie-goers, laughing, getting drinks & food, wide-eyed and ready but all of them were in good spirits. It was like the best unorganized mutual party you could fathom.

The crowd cheered and clapped and hooted and hollered. Especially when Diana made very strong metaphorical references to the cowardice of men in positions of power in the New World. We were all silent when the mood was somber. We all laughed together and with the characters on the screen when the time was right.

What I can surmise is this; we ALL became involved in a movement that was titled Wonder Woman.

“…this is a boost we all need to do the right thing.”

I could feel that in that theater. We could all feel it. Every one of us. It was tangible and it was real. I felt it strongest as the movie unfolded before me and for the first 40 minutes of the movie, I could not stop wiping my eyes. Not because the movie was sad but because of the very real truths Diana and this film brought to us. Not just what her character was saying on screen but what this movie being in theaters worldwide means to people every where.

If there was a negative thought in my mind last night it was simply to wonder why this film had not been released a decade ago. But then I think, maybe the timing is right. Maybe this is a boost we all need to do the right thing. To be better than the sum of our parts. To carry the weight that others are unable or too weak to carry.

When Diana tells Steve Trevor and his men “But it’s what I’m going to do.” as she launches herself into the bloody battlefield to bring peace and safety to the poor and downtrodden, I don’t know if there was a dry eye in the theater. Because this is what we need. This is what we should be doing. Standing up for those who are weaker, smaller, lost, confused and war torn.

Wonder Woman’s first annual of the DC Rebirth era arrives just in time for her big screen debut. If the movie is half as good as Wonder Woman Annual #1, it’ll be a blockbuster.

Instead of telling an extended tale, the annual gives us four vignettes by different creative teams – highlighting different aspects of our heroine.

The first story features the team of writer Greg Rucka and artist Nicola Scott. The story picks up on Wondy’s Year One saga by chronicling her first meeting with Superman and Batman. This enjoyable tale showcases the DC trinity at their best: Wonder Woman full of hope, Superman as the optimist and Batman… well, as Batman – suspicious and untrusting.

Scott’s drawings are fantastic, illustrating Wonder Woman as the powerful hero she is. Rucka’s story, while light on action, fills in an amusing backstory.

Wonder Woman Annual #1 Features Some Amazing Talent On Each Story

If it’s action you want, the second story from writer Vita Ayala and artist Claire Roe starts off with a bang: King Shark is about to be executed for a crime he didn’t commit. Invading the country of Markovia, Wonder Woman shows off her many powers, and her lasso, by making short work of the executioners.

The story is classic Wonder Woman – plenty of action sprinkled with hope.

The third tale by Michael Moreci and drawn by Stephanie Hans pits Princess Diana against a monster threatening a peaceful Japanese village. However, this is no simple monster of the month story, because Wonder Woman knows the would-be attacker. Exquisitely drawn by Hans, each image jumps off the page. You’ll really that you are in Japan.

The final story is by writers Collin Kelly and Jackson Lanzing and artist David Lafuente. This tale pits Wonder Woman against a monstrous kaiju. Again, Diana must choose between violence or compassion. The tale – and the issues – provides plenty of both.

Wonder Woman Annual #1 is the perfect jumping on point for new readers. The comic also gives longtime fans an assortment of fantastic Wonder Woman stories. Whether you’re planning on seeing the new movie or not, make sure to pick up this comic.

In the history of comics, few characters offer a more complex history than Cable. Much of this is due to the character’s penchant for time travel. In Cable #1, Cable is back in his own ongoing series as part of the ResurrXion relaunch. The comic sees Cable embrace the elements that make him great while trimming the confusing bits down.

The first issue opens up in Arizona, 1872. It’s a classic western setup, as a group of outlaws have overrun a town of innocents. They’re in a bar celebrating their wickedness when a mysterious drifter enters through the swinging doors. The catch is that this mysterious drifter is actually everyone’s favorite time-traveling mutant: Cable. Surprisingly, these outlaws aren’t packing six guns but instead have laser blasters; unlucky for them, Cable’s are bigger.

Right from page one this book announces itself as exactly what fans are looking for. Cable as a time traveling avenger wandering through different eras defending those who can’t defend themselves. Following his takedown of the old west bandits, Cable travels to feudal Japan. We see him assure the frightened survivor of a razed village that he will root out the evil that devastated her home.

Cable #1 Sports an Incredible Creative Team

James Robinson’s script perfectly captures the grit and edge of Cable but also shows off his heroism and humanity. Another standout of the book is the art from Carlos Pacheco, who mixes kinetic action and character design with the stunning vistas of the various time periods Cable travels through. One of the appeals of a time travel book is the ability to escape to varying locales and eras, and the detail Pacheco puts into each setting gives the book a sense of authenticity in addition to its sci-fi heroics.

Cable is a character born out of the ’90s comics’ obsession with extreme badassery, but he’s managed to endure longer than a lot of other characters crated at the same time. There’s an edginess to him, sure, but underneath is nobility that makes him compelling and infinitely readable. That’s something that shines through in this first issue.

Longtime Cable fans will no doubt enjoy their hero’s newest adventure, but for new readers it’s a fun story without an emphasis on previous continuity. All in all, Cable #1 is a great introduction to a classic Marvel character.

Cable #1, Marvel Comics, Released May 31st, 2017, Written by James Robinson, Pencils by Carlos Pacheco, $3.99

Babyteeth #2 picks up right where the first issue ended. To recap, in Babyteeth #1 we met Sadie Ritter, a pregnant sixteen year-old living in SLC. Confused and scared, she hides her pregnancy from everyone except her older sister, Heather. When Sadie goes into labor, her contractions register on the Richter scale….literally. With each contraction comes a massive earthquake.

“The world trembled as the boy approached, and when he arrived, it cowered like a beaten dog.”

When her baby is finally delivered, Sadie names him Clark (after Superman). Others will call him by different names. Among them are The King of Ash, Void-Lord, The Antichrist, and The Final Son. Sadie serves as our guide, telling the story in past tense as we’re seeing it unfold in real time (Babyteeth #1 is set to drop on Clark’s actual birthday).

In Babyteeth #2, we get to see Sadie’s little family rally around her, even though she refuses to give up Clark’s daddy. Being a single teen mother is tough enough, and out of nowhere, Clark won’t latch, won’t take a bottle, and won’t sleep. Add in that whole Antichrist thing, breaking open barriers between earthly and demonic planes, unleashing eternal suffering on all mankind, and the assassins already hunting baby Clark down to kill him, and Sadie has her hands full.

It’s the end of the world (as we know it) in Babyteeth #2

Donny Cates (Redneck, God Country, Ghost Fleet) delivers another brilliant script full of dark humor, terrifying reveals, and tender moments. There’s even a sly nod to Ghost Fleet. Garry Brown (Black Road, John Carter: The End, The Massive) delivers characters that are distinctive and authentic, with a wide range of emotion. Brown’s settings are also on point. From the SLC to a secret board meeting in a bunker, every setting has an idiosyncratic look and feel.

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: Everything Donny Cates touches right now is red hot. Don’t miss out! The only way to ensure getting your hands on a first print copy of Babyteeth #1 or Babyteeth #2 is by pre-ordering. Save 20% up front with a pre-order, or pay eBay prices later.

This week’s New Comic Book Day Reviews brings us a trio of fantastic comics that you won’t want to miss. From DC we’ve got Trinity Annual #1, Marvel brings us some gamma glowing action in Hulk #6, and last but not least is Action Lab’s Spencer & Locke #2.

SPOILER ALERT — We try to keep from posting spoilers, but one may sneak through to our reviews now and again. Read with caution, true believers.

Trinity Annual #1 is both a standalone story and part of a larger whole, providing an issue that is a great jumping on point and essential reading for longtime readers. Trinity Annual #1 deals with the concept of trinities, exploring the effects that the trinity of Batman/Superman/Wonder Woman have on the DC Universe while also playing with the idea of a dark trinity.

However, the book isn’t all theoretical concepts, as we get a fair share of action from guest star Etrigan the Demon. When Etrigan and Jason Blood separate, Etrigan goes on a warpath that takes the combined effort of the trinity to stop him. You won’t believe the sacrifice that our heroes make to stop this rampaging demon!

Trinity Annual #1 contains a reveal at the end which brings together multiple DC books, making this comic a must-read if you’re following the Rebirth storyline. With great writing from Rob Williams and stellar art from Guillem March, this is one comic you won’t want to miss! [Josh P. At TFAW.Com]

Jennifer Walters has been fighting for a long time, both in the streets and in the court. However, one thing that always stays constant is her fear.

In Mariko Tamaki’s sixth issue of Hulk, Jen is fighting a manifestation of her own fear. It’s a fight that she must win if she’s ever going to save anyone again.

Hulk #6 was a quick read. There is a lot going on here between the panels. The death of Bruce Banner in Civil War II has hit a lot of our heroes hard, and especially those who know the internal struggle he dealt with.

Artist Nico Leon has this great way of making this series stand out. It looks almost one part manga influenced and one part Stjepan Sejic, especially when you add Matt Milla’s colors.

Deconstructed Part 6 isn’t a great starting point, but it’s a solid end to the arc. [Martin M. At TFAW.Com]

Spencer & Locke #2 picks up right where the first book left off, with Detective Spencer still on the case of Sophie Jenkins’ murder. The comic still has the charm and style of newspaper strips like Calvin & Hobbes while retaining the sharp wit and expressive writing style that David Pepose does best.

Issue #2 takes the action and turns it up to 11, featuring bar brawls, car chases, deadly shootouts, and so much more. If you are the type who wonders what Calvin is like as an adult, look no further than Detective Spencer. Even if you’re unfamiliar with Calvin & Hobbes, you’ll still love the unique style of Spencer & Locke. Since it’s a four issue miniseries, the action moves at a steady pace and never drags.

This book is a hidden gem that any comic book fan should read. If you’ve yet to read Spencer & Locke, do yourself a favor and add it to your pull list today. [Josh P. At TFAW.Com]

In 2012, Mike Mignola (Hellboy, Lobster Johnson, Baltimore) teamed with Christopher Golden (The Myth, The Boys Are Back in Town) to co-create and co-author the novel Joe Golem and The Drowning City. The tale takes place in an alternate timeline Manhattan, which is currently under thirty feet of water.

Simon Church is a Victorian-era detective who is kept alive for more than a century via a complex combination of bio-mechanical magic, clockwork gears, spit, and shoelaces. His assistant, Joe Golem, has bizarre dreams that speak to him of a former life. He has visions of being mud and stone and hunting witches. Unfortunately, he can’t quite piece together his own origin.

Four years after the release of the illustrated novel, Mignola and Guest revisited The Drowning City with a five part prequel comic book miniseries, The Rat Catcher and The Sunken Dead.

Mignola’s latest book The Outer Dark takes place two years after Rat Catcher. Three Germans on a water taxi attack passengers and police. One of the Germans, Bodo Wegener, escapes after killing two people with his bare hands while screaming in German about the otherworldly voices in his head. The local detectives usually end up on Mr. Church’s stoop when things get a little too weird, and this case is definitely “Simon Church weird.”

Joe Golem — The Outer Dark Sports an All-Star Creative Team

Patric Reynolds (Aliens: Fire and Stone, Hellboy and the BPRD: 1954) did the art for Rat Catcher and is also the artist for this new series. Reynolds brings an aesthetic to the project that looks like it’s straight from a pulp mystery novel. The Drowning City doesn’t exactly look like a place I’d want to raise children but I’d definitely want to explore it in daylight.

Mignola and Golden give us a script that will appeal to fans of horror, pulp, noir, steampunk, monsters and magic. There is enough backstory that a new reader can easily pick up the series. However, if you haven’t already read The Rat Catcher and The Sunken Dead, I’d recommend picking up the hard copy. Readers of series like The Goon and The Damned will feel right at home with Joe Golem.

Capitalizing on the success of its newest blockbuster, Marvel has given Groot the starring role in his own comic with I Am Groot #1. Like in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, Groot is not a full tree; instead, he is an adorable adolescent twig. Unfortunately, his maturity matches his size, and this causes him to get in the way of his fellow guardians. To make up for it, the anthropomorphic tree tries to help. However, he ultimately fails, leaving him stranded at the other end of the galaxy.

I Am Groot #1 Features a Strong Creative Team

Writer Christopher Hastings wisely includes Groot’s teammates in the comic. This addition means that we aren’t constantly inundated with “I am Groot” – though there’s plenty of that. The comic also features new characters as well. One such character is Buddy, a dog-like creature that Groot meets on the other side of known space.

Flaviano provides the gripping otherworldly artwork. He gets to show off his skills with a variety of scenes ranging from the close confines of a spaceship to the vastness of space to some pretty funky alien landscapes.

However, it’s colorist Marcio Menyz who really shines in this inaugural issue. Menyz showcases his considerable talent in the space scenes. Some of the standout colors include the glow of rocket engines and interstellar phenomena illuminate the pitch blackness of space. With colorful characters like Gamora, Rocket Raccoon and Drax, Menyz has a broad pallet to work with.

I Am Groot #1 is only the first chapter of a larger story that hopefully reunites our wooden character with the rest of his team. It’s a story well worth reading and is highly recommend for fans of the character.

It can be difficult to classify a comic like Dept H. One part murder mystery, one part disaster movie, one part “ragtag misfits out to save the world,”. The story takes you through a labyrinthine saga that proves just as deep as the very ocean the characters are exploring.

The best thing to do is to simply say it’s great.
The story itself isn’t terribly unique – taking obvious cues from movies like Deep Blue Sea and/or The Abyss. What makes it so enjoyable is how Matt Kindt and Sharlene Kindt tell it. The characters are fully realized, and in issue 14 we finally learn just how deep (pun intended) Jerome is. He’s either not as insane as we thought, or he might be a good deal more. Genius tends to have that effect on people. Yet Matt and Sharlene’s storytelling makes him so relatable to the point where we, the readers, understand why he does what he does (I won’t reveal it here, for fear of spoilers).

By issue 14, we already know that Dept H was initially formed to explore space. But was changed to head to the bottom of the ocean (an equally unexplored void). Issue 14 gives the readers a terrifyingly relevant, and believable, reason why that gives so much more gravity (pun intended) to the characters and their actions. Hari’s kindness may have been his own undoing, but until the killer is finally revealed, we’ll never know if it was Jerome (who is the obvious suspect) or any of the other characters with a reason to sabotage Dept H.

As far as the art is concerned, I’ll be honest, at first threw me off because it doesn’t fit into the standard superhero style. The lines aren’t always clean, the colors can be muddy and washed out, and there’s a lot of sheer darkness. This is, I realize, all on purpose. After all, how else would you illustrate a murder mystery that takes place on the sandy floor of the ocean itself? If some of the panels weren’t drab, how else would the gorgeous colors stand out? Pages 19-22 alone are a class in color and scope, and my early fears about the artwork are obliterated. Matt’s pencils are good, but it’s Sharlene’s colors that take the images and makes them fascinating.

Dept H. blends genres in an enticing way that makes it more approachable than a lot of comics. It’s one of the best things about this series. Fans of serial adventure, exploration, mystery, character-driven plot, and realistic intrigue are going to be sure to find Dept H. a solid read that’s well worth their time.

Mass Effect: Discovery #1 is one of the most anticipated comic releases of the year. This comic promises to dive deeper into the Andromeda Initiative introduced in March’s Mass Effect: Andromeda video game. Dark Horse is no stranger to Bioware’s many video game worlds, but this is one the most promising storylines in their partnership. The first issue alone delivers on several of the promises made to fans during the initial production of the game. Namely, it uncovers significant dangers lurking in the Initiative’s long cast shadow.

It comes as no surprise that this story is compelling when you look at the creative team bringing it to life. John Dombrow, lead writer for both Mass Effect 3 and Mass Effect: Andromeda, has written a story that ties heavily back into the events of Andromeda. Artist Gabriel Guzman illustrates the comic, subtly luring readers back into the Mass Effect universe. He does this through incredible images that seamlessly recreates the iconic imagery of the games. His attention to detail hints at deeper connections to the greater Mass Effect storyline.

Mass Effect: Discovery #1 Contains a Compelling Story

The story itself is mostly told in flashback. The reader meets a side character from the game, Tiran Kandros, as he is reeling in the aftermath of a battle. Kandros, who is the leader of Nexus’ militia in Andromeda, is a much more significant character than the game would have you believe. While Tiran is just another NPC in the game, this comic shows us how he is so much more.

Iran is a spy, infiltrating the Andromeda Initiative through the Nexus colony. The player only receives a few tidbits of information about Tiran’s life from before you meet him in the game. However, this comic blows apart any banal conceptions a player might have had of him. Despite his background role in the game, as the comic unfolds, it’s clear that Tiran is one of the most integral characters in the story of Andromeda. Through Tiran, we glimpse into not only the Turian perspective on the Initiative, but the resistance against it as well.

Mass Effect: Discovery hits the shelves Wednesday, May 24th. Make sure to grab a copy at TFAW.com and don’t miss the beautiful variant cover by artist Kate Niemczyk. Until then, guys, keelah e’lai.